Diabetes And Triathlons / Inspired By Cyril

“WHEN YOU DISCOVER YOU HAVE DIABETES, YOU MIGHT THINK THAT THE WHEELS ARE COMING OFF, BUT I WANT TO SHOW PEOPLE THAT MINE ARE STILL SPINNING, FASTER THAN EVER”

Cyril was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, 10 years ago.  He made a conscious decision to remain strong notwithstanding his diagnosis. He knew that he needed something more than just insulin – he needed ‘medicine’ that could make him physically and mentally strong. He knew that type 1 diabetes didn’t   limit him to complete his big goals, and face his daily challenges, and thus the choice of cycling became the obvious ‘medicine.’

This quote became his main driver in his search for the best approach, or as he called it – “best medicine,” to escape the daily challenges that diabetes management brought to his life. Cyril grew up in nature and always enjoyed being in the mountains and forests of Switzerland. Cycling became his ‘medicine’ that kept him physically fit but also helped in improving his glucose levels. 

In his search for new challenges, he discovered triathlons.  He knew that this would not only force him out of his comfort zone but also help him to redefine his own boundaries.  “Since I was a child I was afraid of water, so by taking on this challenge felt like I was not only managing with diabetes, I was thriving with it.” Triathlon is a multisport race that combines swimming, cycling and running into one event. Competing in all three in consecutive order tests Cyril’s fitness and endurance. 

The next obvious challenge was Iron Man. He had to work much harder, but the end result was worth all the hard work.  “On the starting line, I was zen. At the end of the race, almost 12 hours of effort, I left euphoric”.

Today Cyril has participated in several races including Triathlons, Iron Man and Marathons, scoring high level results. But the most important achievement of his story is that he has never felt limited by type 1 diabetes.

Cyril is now an experienced sportsman, participating at a high level. He has become an inspiration to other people. who are just like himself living with diabetes. He is now working as a coach in a sport center.  His main goal is to help and train people that, just like him, is living with diabetes and need to overcome the challenges that they need to face every day.